Simon benched as Chukwueze joins Osimhen, Lookman in attack for Gabon tie

Moses Simon has been left out of the Super Eagles’ startingline-up for the game against Gabon in the African playoffs for the 2026 WorldCup. The 30-year-old is replaced on the team by Samuel Chukwueze,who completes the front-four alongside Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman andAdams Akor. Simon was a constant presence in the Eagles’ startingline-up throughout the group stages of the qualifiers. Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles head coach, also benchedWilliam Troost-Ekong in defence. The Franco-Malian coach opts for the youthfulbackline pairing of Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Frederick. The duo of ZaiduSanusi and Bright Osayi-Samuel will start as the full-backs. Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi continue as the heart of theteam in midfield, and Stanley Nwabali keeps his place in between the goalposts. The Super Eagles play Gabon in one of the semi-finals of theplayoffs at 5 pm on Thursday. The winner of the match will face either Congo DR orCameroon in the final to clinch the sole slot to represent Africa at theintercontinental playoff. Controversies have marred Nigeria’s preparation for thecompetition. On Tuesday, the Eagles boycotted their training session inprotest of unpaid allowances. The players refused to train until 24 hourslater, after their demands were met by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Super Eagles Starting XI: Stanley Nwabali, BenjaminFredrick, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osay-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi; Wilfred Ndidi (C),Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen.

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